Mathematical instrument maker, notable for inventing the sextant. He came to London in 1740 where he worked for Jonathan Sisson and George Graham. By 1745, he had his own business in the Strand. Bird was commissioned to make a brass quadrant 8 feet across for the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, where it was mounted on 16 February 1750, and where it is still preserved. Soon after, duplicates were ordered for France, Spain and Russia.
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John Bird
Businessman, inventor and manufacturer of pottery. Born Vauxhall Walk where his father was a partner in a pottery business, Doulton and Watts. Followed his brother, John junior, into the business. ...
Designed by John Penfold. They are distinguished by their hexagonal shape, with an acanthus bud on top. The originals were made by Cochrane & Co of Dudley, Worcestershire, and later replicas by...
Designer, architect, conservationist, entrepreneur and social reformer, important in the Arts and Crafts movement. Born Spring Grove, Isleworth but brought up at 46 Upper Bedford Place, in a well-o...
Floral artist. Born Constance Fletcher at 58 Warner Street, Derby. Educated in Ireland, she returned to England during WW1 as a welfare worker in the east end of London. Her work with flowers did n...
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